SSG Searches for new Economic Development Director, Gage County, Nebraska

Executive Director of Economic Development

NGage (Gage Area Growth Enterprise)

Job Scope

The Executive Director for Gage Area Growth Enterprise (NGage) shall be a full time, paid professional staff position. The Executive Director is hired and supervised by the NGage Board of Directors.

Job Summary

NGage is governed by a 12 member Board of Directors comprised of public and private sector leaders. Both Gage County and the City of Beatrice have pledged significant financial support for the organization.

The Executive Director will conduct and supervise the day-to-day responsibilities associated with industrial and commercial development activity in Gage County, effectively implement the Economic Development Strategic Plan, and monitor the availability of relevant state and federal grants.The Executive Director is responsible for the daily operations of the program, including the successful implementation of a Board approved annual program of work which will include maintenance and handling of new business prospects and development activity of businesses in the area, small business and entrepreneurial development, and assisting with workforce development issues.

The position requires the ability, skills, and leadership necessary to conduct a variety of development activities which are consistent with the goals of NGage.

Responsibilities may include other duties as assigned from time to time.

Principal Areas of Responsibility

Complete the day to day implementation of the NGage Strategic Plan as it relates to Business Retention & Expansion, Land and Building Development, Transportation, and special projects as assigned.

Plan, direct and implement the new business marketing and recruitment programs and activities as guided by NGage and as approved by the Board of Directors.Conduct day to day responsibilities associated with new business marketing and recruitment.

Respond and work with relocation requests from outside companies and develop marketing programs and incentives to increase the number of new, quality Jobs in Gage County.

Work in collaboration with other area organizations that focus on business development and growth. Help businesses connect with resources based on their current needs.

Coordinate and initiate fundraising efforts to gain municipal and business memberships in NGage.

Oversee the development of small business and entrepreneurial programs including a revolving loan fund.Identify potential funding sources from public, non-profit and private sectors.Manage the fund including marketing and solicitation of borrowers and coordination of loan review committee and servicing of the loans.

Work with area workforce entities to develop a comprehensive workforce development strategy for the region.

Coordinate all publications, advertising, social media, and WEB based marketing for NGage.

The Executive Director will maintain accurate and complete records of all grants and funding from local, state, federal and private sources.

Coordinate the activities of the Board of Directors of NGage with other economic development groups as approved by the President and the Board.

Qualifications

BA/BS Degree with 3-5 years experience in economic development preferred.CEcD designation desirable. Related experience and skills will be considered.

Knowledge of and experience in the non-profit management of economic development organizations and economic development programs.

The business of economic development encompasses a broad range of strategies including business retention and attraction, entrepreneurship, workforce development and the attraction of talent, tourism, place branding and marketing, product development, and community planning to enhance the quality of place. The bottom line - to generate new wealth and growth.